Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 was $356.5 million, exceeding guidance, with system-wide sales growing 13.7% year-over-year to $549.9 million [32] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 24.8% year-over-year to $58.9 million, representing 16.5% of total revenue, marking the highest adjusted EBITDA level on record [39] - Net income attributable to Shake Shack Inc. was $17.1 million or $0.41 per diluted share, with adjusted pro forma net income at $19.5 million or $0.44 per fully exchanged and diluted share [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the licensed business, revenue grew by 20.2% year-over-year to $13.3 million, with sales up approximately 16% to $206.7 million [32] - Company-operated Shack sales increased by 12.4% year-over-year to $343.2 million, with 13 new Shack openings [32] - Average weekly sales were $78,000, with 1.8% same Shack sales growth [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic was down 70 basis points, but trends improved each month of the quarter, with positive traffic exiting the quarter and into July [33] - Same Shack sales growth was 1.8% in Q2, improving to 3.2% in July due to culinary innovation and marketing efforts [17][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three strategic priorities: driving same Shack sales, expanding globally, and improving profitability [10] - Shake Shack is committed to a culture of leadership and operational excellence, investing in team member development and kitchen innovations [12][14] - The company plans to open 45 to 50 company-operated Shacks in 2025, marking the largest class in company history [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in raising adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year, despite ongoing industry challenges [9] - The company is optimistic about its culinary innovation pipeline and marketing strategies to drive traffic and sales growth [66][70] - Management highlighted the importance of operational improvements and supply chain optimizations to mitigate inflationary pressures [78] Other Important Information - Shake Shack raised over $100,000 to support communities affected by recent floods [8] - The company is on track to reduce build costs by at least 10% this year, despite global supply chain uncertainties [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the margin front and labor productivity improvements? - Management noted significant improvements in labor productivity and operational efficiencies, contributing to expanded restaurant level margins by 190 basis points year-over-year [55][56] Question: What are the new learnings from the kitchen innovation lab? - Management shared that new kitchen equipment has improved throughput and service times, enhancing operational efficiency [59][60] Question: How will the new culinary calendar impact advertising and marketing? - The company plans to create awareness through paid media investments, focusing on culinary innovations and limited-time offers [66][67] Question: What has changed in the outlook that allowed for increased EBITDA guidance? - Management indicated strong performance in restaurant margins and confidence in continued strength, leading to an increase in EBITDA guidance [76] Question: How will marketing and culinary innovations be margin accretive? - The company expects new premium-priced menu items to drive sales and improve margins, alongside operational productivity [78][80]

Group 1 - Shake Shack is entering the loyalty program space to boost business amid economic uncertainty, offering $1 soft drinks for app or website orders [1] - Starting in June, customers who order a burger or BBQ sandwich at least twice within a specific period will be eligible for discounts [2] - The company plans to launch a more extensive loyalty platform later this year, following the trend set by competitors [3] Group 2 - Loyalty programs are increasingly popular in the fast-food industry as a strategy to encourage repeat business, especially during inflationary periods [5] - The U.S. economy is under pressure, with consumer confidence declining and major chains warning of a slowdown in dining out due to inflation [6] - Nearly 80% of Americans now view fast food as a luxury due to high prices [8] Group 3 - Shake Shack aims to expand its footprint, raising its target for company-operated restaurants in the U.S. to at least 1,500, representing a nearly 356% increase from current operations [9] - The company plans to open about 45 company-operated locations and 35-40 licensed locations by 2025 [10]